Los Angeles-based hosiery line Hansel From Basel took its name from a made-up character that founder Hannah Byun conjured up as a child. To be exact, that character, as described by Byun, would be a free-spirited, chubby gnome making his home in Basel, prancing about happily in lederhosen.But make no mistake: The namesake may take inspiration from a mischievousHansel From Basel Bon Voyage Sheer Stocking Nude

little guy with a red cap, but the hosiery line’s quirky, sexy designs — including the hot-selling thigh highs — are definitely not pedaling the latest word in gnome chic. (And they would be a much more welcome sight on lawns this time of year!) Rather, the sophisticated and fun designs instantly add fashion cred to any ensemble. Hansel From Basel has been rapidly refilling reorders from its top boutiques around the country, from Fred Segal Trend, Confederacy, Opening Ceremony, P.45 in Chicago to Bird and Steven Alan in New York.

Byun has had a leg up, so to speak, in the industry since her father used to manufacture hosiery. With a brisk chill in the air that has us actually, kind of, sort of feeling a bit wintery here in L.A., we thought it was the perfect time to get the scoop on one of the season’s coolest trends:

What are this season’s must-wear fabrics and colors?
Silk tights are the best sellers because they [feel] amazing. The nep colorblock tights are going out fast as well!

The hottest style this season is…
Thigh highs. The look is going strong.

Hansel From Basel Homme Stripe Tights

Tell us about your menswear inspiration for this fall/winter, as this has been a strong trend…
I kept gravitating towards old Scottish Donegal tweeds, classic tie patterns and thick, woolly materials that reminded me of old school men in suits. Very classy, textured.

Do you have any tips for wearing all of the daring hosiery seen in stores this season — from ankle socks to thigh highs, tights and more..?
I think the tights are awesome. They look subtle and interesting with almost anything. I love seeing girls wear cute dresses with thigh highs and brogues. Always tights with boots or booties.

If we were going to put together a “starter pack” of three top styles what should

Have you always wanted to design women’s hosiery?
I grew up loving design, but hosiery made the most sense because my family roots are in legwear. My father used to manufacture hosiery and I had a technical understanding of it. I used to spend summers designing my own socks and making them on site. Those were the days when we could actually make cool things in the U.S.

Do you think that the hosiery category is changing to include more players and becoming more inventive?
I think so, but it’s hard to say. Legwear is definitely experiencing a high which I hope continues forever.

Author:Michelle Dalton Tyree

Fashion Trends Daily is the brainchild of Michelle Dalton Tyree. She is the former West Coast Retail Editor for Women’s Wear Daily, Fashion Editor for The Japan Times, and founder of former L.A. luxury boutique Iconology. Michelle is frequently quoted about fashion retail trends in major media outlets such as NPR, KPCC, The Inside Source and the New York Times. She has developed content for many luxury brands and retailers and has written for Allure, Worth Global Style Network, Footwear News and other media outlets.